Microsoft Corp. will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of Microsoft Software & Systems Academy (MSSA) at the Jacksonville Community Campus serving Naval Station Mayport, Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay on Friday, June 1, at the Duval County Veterans Memorial Wall. MSSA in Jacksonville is a reflection of the need to provide service members with training and certifications before they transition out of the military, and Microsoft’s strong commitment to the veteran community.

This ceremony will celebrate the launch of MSSA servicing the Jacksonville military community starting in August, with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) as the primary learning partner. The MSSA program is open to both current service members with a scheduled end-of-active service (EAS) date and to honorably discharged service members. Any U.S. active-duty service members who are within six months of their transition from the military (all branches), as well as members of the National Guard and Reserve who are returning to their civilian jobs, are eligible to apply. For eligibility requirements, service members should contact the education centers at participating bases or visit http://military.microsoft.com/programs/mssa/ for general guidelines.

The ceremony will include guest speakers Daniel Davis, president and CEO of the JAX Chamber; David Reichard, president and CEO of Alluvion Staffing; Kat Cammack, deputy chief of staff for Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.-3rd District); Angela Albritton, director of Military Relations and Strategic Initiatives for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Worldwide; and Thomas Dawkins, director of Workforce Development and Education at Microsoft.

MSSA is one of few industry programs that trains active-duty U.S. service members for technology jobs, and is a cornerstone of the DoD SkillBridge program. Such programs that address the industry’s labor needs help the industry overall, help veterans and help our country build a stronger workforce to compete on the world stage.